Description:

Lovers of this opera have long treasured the Phillips set conducted by Hans Knappertsbusch.   This recording has practically the same cast and was done the year before.   Knappertsbusch seems to have the power stop time.  He manages to create the most transparent textures and then turns on a dime releasing incredible power from the covered pit.  Jess Thomas may be one of the most lyric Parsifals ever.   He sings with Mozartian sweetness.  He is joined by his good friend Irene Dalis who is sultry as Kundry.  Although Hans Hotter’s voice may not be that  of a true bass, he brings touching nobility to one of the greatest bass roles, ever.  The sound is very good.

OD 10240-4